#BookbedReadsPHLit Report for January

Welcome to the first book report for #BookbedReadsPHLit! In this reading challenge, readers must choose one book by a Filipino every month throughout the year. Of course, we encouraged our Roomies (blogger partners) to participate. Check out their picks for January below!

1. Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan

What I liked: Aside from good character development, I also enjoyed how detailed this book is—from the description of weapons to the specifics of psychological trauma.

However…:(Spoiler alert! Highlight succeeding text to read.)As I am a dentist by profession, I did not enjoy seeing one put in a bad light. It might push away those who have dentophobia even further!

tl;dr: This didn’t feel like I was reading a book out of my comfort zone. Instead, this even inspired me to practice writing other genre! So don’t fear, this lives up to the hype. A must-read especially for crime fic-loving bookworms.—Lucille de Mesa

2. Alona’s Quest for the Golden Tree by Herbel Santiago

What I liked: First, Alona herself! She’s young and innocent and a lot of fun, one I would definitely like to be best friends with. Second, I liked that this book incorporates the tale of Ibong Adarna, which inspired Alona to search for the golden tree. Last, there are a lot of Filipino words to learn from this story!

However…: I honestly can’t find a fault, but maybe a way to improve the book is to include illustrations—for example, in chapter titles—to make the design more attractive.

3. Beginner’s Guide: Love and Other Chemical Reactions (Talking Nerdy #1) by Six de los Reyes

What I liked: I loved her writing style, and how the story was driven by character and voice. I enjoyed how Kaya and Nero’s relationship blossomed, and found even the secondary characters interesting, such as Phylle and Francis who were funny, and the Teddies, who reminded me of FitzSimmons from “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

However…: I really wish I got to read more of Eugene, Kaya’s colleague and flatmate.

tl;dr: It’s not every day we get to read a love story that features someone working in science, so I’m glad this book is getting recognition here and abroad. If you like a mix of dramedy and steam, I suggest you pick this up!

Our Story

Bookbed started as an online secondhand bookstore in 2010. Four years later, it grew into the community that it is today. We have a core team of six and around 120 contributors and volunteers from different parts of the Philippines and the world. Over the years, we have worked with readers, bloggers, published authors, aspiring writers, artists, advocacy groups, schools, communities, brands, bookstores, book cafes and government agencies. We believe that reading shapes dreams, and dreams shape lives. ☁